The top 5 players Cowboys regret passing on in 2016 draft

There’s not much to regret about the Cowboys draft in 2016. We’ll see how this plays out, but the class of ’16 could be one of the most impactful in franchise history.

That doesn’t mean it was perfect. No draft is.

With that ridiculously high bar in mind, let’s look at how last year’s draft could have rated higher or been even more productive.

Jordan Howard, RB — Indiana

Charles Rex Arbogast/AP

Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) tries to elude Cleveland Browns outside linebacker James Burgess (52) in the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Drafted 150th overall by the Chicago Bears

He’s no Ezekiel Elliott. But this fifth round pick has rushed for 2,435 yards and 15 touchdowns in his two seasons. He’s caught 52 passes for another 423 yards and a touchdown and received one Pro Bowl nod.

Again, he’s not a transcendent back like Elliott. But he’s pretty good.

Yannick Ngakoue, DE — Maryland

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ORCHARD PARK, NY – NOVEMBER 27: Yannick Ngakoue #91 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates after sacking Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Buffalo Bills during NFL game action at New Era Field on November 27, 2016 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

Drafted 69th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars

Defensive end Yannick Ngakoue has had quite an impact for Jacksonville. Ngakoue started 15 games and set a franchise rookie record for sacks with eight, pushing him past Tony Brackens. He forced four fumbles, came up with an interception and was named to the Pro Football Writers All Rookie Team.

He played even better this past season. Ngakoue has 20 sacks and has forced 10 fumbles in his first two seasons in the league. He hasn’t missed a game and was named to the first of what should be many Pro Bowls along the way.

Ngakoue was taken two picks after the Cowboys selected defensive tackle Maliek Collins in the third round.

Michael Thomas, WR — Ohio State

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 07: Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after a firs down against the Carolina Panthers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Drafted 47th overall by the New Orleans Saints

Do you think Thomas would bring some vertical stretch to the Cowboys lackluster passing attack?

Thomas set the franchise rookie record for receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns in his first year with the Saints. He’s caught 196 passes _ 104 of them came this season _ for 2,382 yards and 14 touchdowns to start his career. His Pro Bowl appearance this season will be followed by others.

Tyreek Hill, WR/return specialist — West Alabama

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SAN DIEGO, CA – JANUARY 01: Tyreek Hill #10 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs against the San Diego Chargers during the second half of a game at Qualcomm Stadium on January 1, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Drafted 165th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs

Receiver/return specialist Tyreek Hill has had a tremendous impact for Kansas City, scoring 20 touchdowns in his two seasons either by rush, reception or kickoff/punt return. He’s been named first team All-Pro for his return ability.

This past season he burst on the scene as a receiver, doubling his rookie output by catching 75 passes for 1,183 yards and seven touchdowns. He has 1,180 combined return yards in his first two seasons with four touchdowns. He had a 95-yard punt return for a touchdown and an 86-yard kickoff return for a score as a rookie. In a win over Denver on Nov. 27 of that season, he became the first player since Gale Sayers in 1965 to score touchdowns on a kick return, a reception and a rush from scrimmage in the same game.

Hill was taken late in the fifth round. The Cowboys didn’t have a fifth-round pick.

Jalen Ramsey, CB — Florida State

Don Wright/AP

FILE – In this Oct. 8, 2017, file photo, Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey (20) deflects a pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) that went to Jaguars strong safety Barry Church (42) who intercepted the pass and took it in for a touchdown, in the third quarter of an NFL football game, in Pittsburgh. The Jaguars will rely on All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey to eliminate one half of the field Sunday at Pittsburgh. His matchup could be his toughest of the season: Steelers All-Pro Antonio Brown.(AP Photo/Don Wright, File)

Drafted 5th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars

Elliott is arguably the league’s best young running back. Ramsey is arguably the league’s best young cornerback. This spirited debate over who the Cowboys should have taken should go for years.

Ramsey went one pick after the Cowboys selected Elliott. He’s responded with six interceptions and one forced fumble in his two seasons. He’s defended 31 passes and discouraged quarterbacks from throwing in his direction countless times. He’s missed only one game, made the Pro Bowl and been named first team All-Pro.

Ramsey is the emotional leader of the Jaguars defense the way Elliott is the offense. Players on both sides of the ball feed off Ramsey’s confidence and energy the way the Cowboys do Elliott.